Saven Deception by Siobhan Davis Read Free Book Online Page B

name is Vin Muller, and I will be your Adaptation Officer
for the entire duration of your stay in Thalassic City.” He stands upright and
clasps his hands in front of his body. The man oozes quiet confidence.
    “We will shortly travel to our designated
unit where we’ll remain for the next three weeks. Once we are settled, I’ll
outline the schedule for your acclimatization and explain the process when we
reach Thalassic City. Firstly, I need to communicate a couple of announcements
which the government has this morning advised us of.”
    He scans the crowd from left to right
until he’s assured of everyone’s attention. “This is an important new
initiative for our country and one which the government hopes will help manage
the rising overcrowding in the cities. In addition, they hope this will kick-start
a new era of growth and prosperity. The importance of ‘The Experimento’ cannot
be underestimated. You all have a vital role to play.”
    We know all this! I wish he’d get to the point.
    He clears his throat. “The government has
decided to create a new project team after ‘The Experimento’ has concluded to
assist new residents with the transition to a life underwater, and to support
the authorities in implementing other proposed initiatives. They have set aside
one hundred positions exclusively for participants of ‘The Experimento.’ This
is your one opportunity to shine, people. Showcase your talent, impress the
authorities, and your life could change forever.”

CHAPTER
4
     
     
     
    My foot taps incessantly off the ground, and my wide grin
threatens to split my face. This is all I’d hoped for and more. Vowing to work
hard, I’m determined to make damn sure one of those positions has my name on
it. If the VP were here, I’d slap a sloppy kiss on his face right about now.
    Vin is currently facing a mounting barrage
of questions which are thrown at him in rapid-fire succession. “Hold up,” he
pleads, raising his hands in front of him. “One at a time.”
    “Can you elaborate on how they’ll select
candidates for these roles?” someone behind me asks.
    “I can’t,” Vin replies calmly. “I’ve told
you as much as I know.”
    “Can you offer any advice on how to
impress the authorities?” a girl to my right asks.
    “Whatever you end up doing in Thalassic
City, give it one hundred percent. Work hard and excel. Attend promptly and
completely to any tasks asked of you. In other words, make a good impression. Feedback reports will be submitted by superiors, and these will
undoubtedly form a part of any recruitment decision. There are cameras all over
the city monitoring progress, so remember to always be on your best behavior.”
     “Will there be cameras in our homes?”
Jenna asks, a layer of unease in her tone.
    “I doubt they’ll be that intrusive. The
cameras are primarily there for security purposes. The intent isn’t
voyeuristic.” A small smile tugs up the corners of his mouth. “Rest assured,
I’ll identify as much as I can in the coming days, and I’ll share that
knowledge with you then. For now, we need to head out.”
    We follow Vin in single file out into the
elevator and assemble in the main lobby. Once everyone is accounted for, Vin
gathers us into a circle around him. “First things first. Everyone is required
to attend a medical exam with one of our physicians. They have reviewed the
medical questionnaires, which you submitted last night. Provided you receive
clearance to progress”—worried looks are exchanged which Vin ignores—“you’ll
then undergo standard sanitization. Thereafter, we’ll journey to our new
temporary home. Any questions?”
    After a minute of silence, he directs us
to a seated area off to the left. We all sit down and wait to be called.
    I’m one of the first to be summoned for
medical examination. The female doctor greets me pleasantly and processes me
quickly. My entire body is scanned to ensure I’m free from underlying illness
or